Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.

This image is in the public domain and may be used freely. If publishing in print, electronically, or on a website, please cite the item using the citation button.

File Name

index.cpd

▼

Item Description

Title

Sports

Format (IMT)

image/jpeg

File Name

yearb_1990_203.jpg

Transcript

Eligibility of Athletes
Athletic department works to overcome stigma
I
n the last decade, there have been
numerous media accounts of how
athletes have been manipulated by
money-hungry college athletic departments. When the athlete's eligibility is up, most find that their professional sports aspirations are
nonexistent and they are still shy one
or two years of obtaining a degree.
There are no career opportunities
in the pro ranks and his university no
longer has a use for the athlete. Frequently, the athlete ends up a college
dropout, with little or no skills to
compete in society.
In the early 1980's, there were rumors about similar things happening
in the SWC. As we entered the
1990's, it was clear that colleges and
universities were becoming more
sensitive to the needs of the student
athlete.
UH Athletic Director Rudy
Davalos, being a former athlete, understood the problem. "The athlete
has five years to complete four, and
he or she has to pass 12 hours per
semester," said Davalos. In
essence, the university continues to
pay for the athlete's education for
one year after his playing days are
over.
At UH, an academic monitoring
program had been implemented.
Kathy Beene, assistant AD and tennis
coach, said, "We have tutors available for all athletes and
academic counselors for each sport.
The athletes are monitored very
closely."
Davalos feels that the athletic department is responsible for the all
around well-being of each athlete.
Although he would not comment
on which athletes (if any) were in
academic trouble, there was an ex
tensive list of athletes who made the
3.0 Club.
Davalos also said that the graduation rate is comparable to the university's rate.
Ironically, other students have
complained that tutoring in learning
support services was not available
because the athletes were always
there. Some felt that the athletes
were receiving special treatment.
"Athletes are entitled to the same
privileges as other students," insisted
Davalos.
The rest of the student body must
remember that learning support operates on a first come, first serve basis. The problem was not with the
athletes. The problem was lack of
funding for an adequate tutorial program. The athletes were merely trying to achieve academic success.
-R. Ricardo Sutton
R
udy Davalos speaks on behalf of Andre Ware.Pfrofo by Tony Bullard.
280
REiportsOT